We attended the official opening of Mode Aparthotel in Edinburgh and caught up with BridgeStreet and some of its partners involved in this exciting new arrival in Edinburgh's historic New Town. Mode Aparthotel combines all the space and freedom of apartment living, together with exceptional 24/7 hospitality and facilities – alongside the advanced technology and comfort demanded by today's business traveler. Mode redefines the extended stay experience by inviting guests to feel like they're a part of a local community and treating them as if they were home – wherever they are.

Glenn Haussman reports from Seattle on the first day of the Worldwide ERC Global Workforce Symposium 2018. He explores the broad trends and big issues as well as touching on the wide range of interviews HereToStay.TV will be recording during the event – all of which you will be able to view right here.

At the Worldwide ERC Global Workforce Symposium in Seattle, Glenn catches up with Sean Worker, President and CEO of BridgeStreet. Sean points out, there's a bigger picture here – it's more than about relocation and business travel. The bigger issue is about attracting and retaining employees – and giving them more freedom and choice when it comes to travel and relocation – hence, BridgeStreet's introduction of Six Ways to Stay™.

At the opening of Mode Aparthotel Arc de Triumph in Paris, we had the opportunity to catch up with Joachim Azan, Founder & President of Novaxia – BridgeStreet's partner on this fantastic property. The Paris location is in the heart of the prestigious 16th arrondissement – long known as one of French high society’s favored places of residence. Close to the Arc de Triumph and nestled in a quiet street off Avenue Victor Hugo, Mode Aparthotel comprises two beautifully restored 19th century, neo-renaissance buildings with a brand-new building adjacent to a tranquil courtyard to enjoy and relax. The interior spaces are classic and modern in harmony – with specially-commissioned artworks inspired by the city throughout the public spaces, studios and apartments.

Key to delivering great serviced apartment experiences is balancing technology with the human touch – so says Kristine Elkin, Global Account Director at Oakwood Worldwide. Glenn catches up with Kristine at ERC's Global Workforce Symposium in Seattle and finds out more about what has driven Oakwood to develop technologies that ensure strong connections with guests wherever they are in the serviced apartment experience – from booking to check out.

Trends in global mobility are about more than Millennials. Jonathan Frick, Manager of Global Mobility at INEO talks to Glenn about the growth of choice and flexibility; the continuing convergence of traditional and disruptor operators; and the challenges of finance and tax for global nomads.

Glenn catches up with Abbas Causer, General Manager in San Francisco for Sonder – a brand that is a new kid on the serviced apartment block, that has grown fast alongside the rise of Airbnb. Sonder brings predictability and great design to a stay in a city – all built around technology and a great service experience.

When it comes to relocation, companies are demanding more than just serviced apartments. As Julie Colman, Global Mobility Manager, Americas Region at Shell tells Glenn, the remote locations Shell is operating in need innovative and creative solutions for temporary housing – from traditional homes to complete work camps.

At the Global Workforce Symposium in Seattle, Glenn catches up with Christina Swenson and Tushani Canute-Raja from KPMG to get their insights into the issues and challenges of relocation compliance for companies and employees. They also touch on the drive to deliver technologies that put information at everyone's fingertips to ensure the relocation process runs smoothly and 'instantly'.

Moving from rigid rules and limited options on accommodation, “choice and flexibility” is now a key element of relocation policy. Jennifer Connell, Practice Leader at Weichert Workforce Mobility tells Glenn this is opportunity for employers to really enhance their brand and value proposition to prospective employees.

Feeling frustrated about good food going to waste when people move, Adam Lowy set up Move for Hunger nine years ago to distribute good, unopened produce to food banks for those in need. Partnering with accommodation providers, movers and relocation companies Move for Hunger has donated 11.5 million pounds of food so far.

Glenn gets a dose of culture on the BGRS booth at the Global Workforce Symposium in Seattle. His guide is Brenda V. Bellon, Director, Intercultural and Language at talent mobility experts BGRS. Brenda explains the importance of intercultural training and literacy when relocating talent internationally.

Glenn gets educated on education. Elizabeth Sawyer, CEO of education consultants Bennett International, explains that schooling is one of the first things one should think about when a family is relocated.

One of two Mode Aparthotels opened by Bridgestreet this year (the other is in Edinburgh) Mode Aparthotel Arc de Triomphe sits in the heart of the 16th arrondissment in Paris. This unique concept combines the space and freedom of apartment living, together with exceptional 24/7 hospitality and facilities – alongside the advanced technology and comfort demanded by today’s business traveller. Glenn sits down with General Manager, Claudine Caussignac to find out more about Mode. To book a stay or find out more about Mode Arc de Triomphe and Mode Edinburgh visit www.modeaparthotel.com

Meet the leaders of the serviced apartment sectors they discuss the opportunities and challenges for their companies and the sector into the future. Hosted by Piers Brown, CEO of International Hospitality Media, the participants included: Lee Curtis, Co-CEO of RESIDE Worldwide; Sean Worker, President and CEO of BridgeStreet; Dean Schreiber, Managing Director of Oakwood Asia Pacific; and George Westwell, Director of Cheval Residences.

With much industry conjecture over consumer awareness of the serviced apartment, corporate housing and extended stay sector, we went out into the streets of New York to discover what the general public really thinks. While the feedback shows the sector has some way to go in increasing awareness of the sector, it's also clear that there are huge, untapped opportunities out there. Travelers love the idea of serviced apartments – value, space, freedom and the ability to live like a local. Presented by Piers Brown and Glenn Haussman, in this session we also hear updates on the industry and progress made with the Serviced Apartment Charter, which is now endorsed by over 60 brands, representing over 350,000 units worldwide.

At the Business Travel Show in London, Glenn Haussman talks to Michael Snapkoski, Senior Vice President of Revenue Generation at BridgeStreet about the impact of technology on the serviced apartment and extended stay sector; connecting with business travel managers; the importance of duty of care; and the ever expanding inventory of properties around the world.

Glenn explores Zoku Amsterdam, an innovative long and short stay loft apartment concept with an amazing loft space where guests and visitors can eat, drink, meet, work and socialise. Built for 'global nomads', Marc Jongerius, Managing Director & Co-Founder of Zoku, talks about the inspiration behind the project and how they made Zoku a reality.

During a boat trip on the Thames, Glenn Haussman catches up with attendees of the Serviced Apartment Summit Europe to get their insights on the London extended stay scene; the rise of the aparthotel; the uncertainties of Brexit; and the opportunities and challenges ahead. Interviewees include Scott Hamilton of Clarendon; Cornelia Montgomery of BridgeStreet; Olga Mnahoncakova of StayCity; Doug Greenwood of Cheval Residences; Ben Davis of Saxbury; and George Sell of Serviced Apartment News.

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) announced at its annual Convention in San Diego that it has acquired WINiT for Women, a career development network for women in the travel, meetings, events and exhibition industries. At the GBTA Convention Glenn Haussman spoke to Christle Johnson, President of GBTA and Michelle (Mick) Lee, Founder & President to ask why the two organisations have been brought together and how WINiT's message will now be taken worldwide.

Jeremy Kressmann, Research Editor at Skift talks through the highlights of The 2018 Skift Global Traveler Report with Glenn Haussman. The report, sponsored by Turkish Airlines, is a deep dive inside the minds of global business travelers and corporate travel managers, offering a snapshot of the disruptive trends and technologies reshaping the corporate travel space.

Glenn Haussman meets David Kong, President & CEO of Best Western. They discuss the launch of Vīb, Best Western's new stylish urban boutique hotel concept and GLō, designed for savvy travelers who expect the best in value, design, and comfort.

HereToStay.TV takes over the GBTA broadcast studio at the 2018 Convention in San Diego to interview Mike McCormick, GBTA's Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer. They talk about the big topics of personalisation; duty of care; and technology.

Glenn meets up by the Graduate Hotels Mutt Cutts van with Corporate Director of Sales, Denise Tinney. Graduate Hotels are hand-crafted boutique hotels, located in the heart of the most dynamic University towns in America.

How is the business of service apartments and extended stay changing? Glenn catches up with Christine Moore, Vice President, Global Marketing at Oakwood Worldwide to get her take on it – technology driving innovation, guests driving awareness of the sector; and travel managers demanding choice. It's no surprise that duty-of-care remains a hot topic too.

Glenn visits the Dream Hotel Group booth to catch up with Danny Benaderet, Director Sales & Marketing. Danny gives his insight on one of the key things business travelers want from a hotel – a true and authentic experience of the location. This is just what Dream Hotel Group is setting out to deliver.

On the IHG stand at the GBTA Convention in San Diego, Glenn meets up with Senior Vice President, Global Sales, Derek DeCross. They discuss how IHG has been working with small and medium sized companies to provide enhanced travel management programs that are rewarding, empowering and 'social'. Also announced, is the launch of IHG's newest hotel concept, Avid.

Dorothy Dowling, Senior VP and Chief Marketing Officer for Best Western chats to Glenn Haussman about what today's business traveler wants from a hospitality provider; and the importance of the supplier/partner relationship with travel managers.

In a break between sessions Glenn Haussman meets janis Cannon, Senior Vice President, Cambrian and Ascend of Choice Hotels International. Janis talks about how Choice Hotels are adapting to the changing needs of business travelers – to give them back valuable time; provide multifunctional spaces; and convey "a sense of space and a sense of place" – going against the traditional "cookie-cutter" approach adopted by some other hotel brands.

Glenn talks to Tony Wagner, VP, Meetings and Events – Americas & South Pacific and CWT (Carlson Wagonlit Travel) about supply and demand; growing international group travel for corporate events; and the challenges of providing for smaller businesses.

Glenn catches up with Claire Barrie, VP of Sales EMEA at BridgeStreet to find out how the company is transforming into a true technology-driven extended stay solution provider – fundamentally driven by the needs of its partners, clients and guests.

Glenn catches up with Piers Brown of International Hospitality Media to talk about this year's Serviced Apartment Summit Europe in London. They discuss the growing commitment and confidence in the sector; extended stay's incredible pace of growth in Germany; and increasing engagement between players in the sector – without doubt helped along by the Serviced Apartments Summits in Europe, the US, Middle East and, coming soon, Asia.

Glenn Haussman talks to Steve Burns, Managing Director EMEA & APAC at BridgeStreet. Steve discusses the broadening of the extended stay and serviced apartment sector; growing awareness of the sector's offer; and the rise of the aparthotel – including the opening of Mode Aparthotel in Paris and Edinburgh.

As the sleep experience is so important wherever you stay, Glenn caught up with Stephanie Girvan, Business Development Manager at Hypnos Contract Beds. Good enough for HM Queen Elizabeth II (Hypnos has held the royal warrant since 1929). Hypnos mattresses have recently been installed at BridgeStreet's Mode Aparthotels in Paris and Edinburgh.

Glenn meets Charlie Rosier and Fabienne O'Neill, the co-founders of London-based serviced apartment brand Cuckooz. Here they talk about their latest innovation, Cuckooz Nest – London's first fully flexible workspace and nursery for working parents and children under two years old. For more information, visit www.cuckooz.co.uk.

Fresh from his presentation at the Serviced Apartment Summit Europe, Thomas Emanuel, Director of Business Development at STR talks to Glenn Haussman about the state of the extended stay sector in the UK; the challenges of supply and demand; and the need to grow awareness.

Christoph Hager, Head of Europe Expansion at Zoku, takes time out at the Serviced Apartment Summit Europe in London to talk to self-confessed Zoku fan, Glenn Haussman about this innovative home base for global nomads which is soon to be expanding across Europe and beyond. Exactly where Zoku is going is hush hush at the moment but, according to Christoph, details will be announced soon. Keep your finger on the pulse of Zoku by visiting www.livezoku.com.

Glenn Haussman of HeretoStay.TV visits Stay City's newly opened Wilde Aparthotel on The Strand, London. He catches up with Matt Roberts, Head of Sales at StayCity and discovers how the design-led aparthotel has been inspired by Oscar Wilde, been "curated for curious travellers", and is alive with Irish spirit and warmth.

The stereotypical perceptions of the Chinese traveler are just not true anymore. So, how do you attract the Chinese traveler to your property? How do you become visible to them? Glenn Haussman catches up with Cho Wong of Compass Edge to get valuable answers and insights. For more information visit: www.facebook.com/groups/chinareadyhotels

During a break in the summit, Paul Rands, Vice President of Development at BridgeStreet, discusses how aparthotels are "enhancing the experience" throughout the extended stay sector as well as the launch of Bridgestreet's Mode Aparthotel brand in Paris and Edinburgh.

Glenn gets a sneak peak of Stow-Away Waterloo, an innovative new luxury apart-hotel concept built from shipping containers right in the heart of London. He catches up with Vedrana Riley, CEO of Ciel Capital and Co-Founder of Stow Projects to find out about the vision for the project and speaks to Aga Rosinska of BridgeStreet, who will be managing the property. For more information visit: www.stow-away.co.uk

Glenn talks with Sean Worker, CEO of BridgeStreet, about Serviced Apartment Summit Americas and how the sector it represents has evolved. They also discuss the challenge of raising awareness of the serviced apartment experience with travelers and just how vital real time booking is – as Sean says, "the expectation is now."

Aaron Turner, Chief Technology Officer of BridgeStreet talks to Glenn about data security and the announcement of Worldpay coming to BridgeStreet.com – making it easier for clients and independent travelers to book, and easier for BridgeStreet's supply chain to do business.

Serviced apartments operators are becoming increasingly sophisticated when it comes to revenue management. What more can they learn from others about demand management and dynamic pricing? What's next for OTAs and other distribution channels? Hosted by Kimberly Smith, Owner of Avenue West, the participants included: George Westwell, Director of Cheval Residences; Aaron Turner, Chief Technology Officer at BridgeStreet; and Eric Bache, VP Global Distribution at AAXSYS

Glenn meets Larry Korman, President of AKA Hotel Residences and Co-CEO of Korman Communities on the rooftop garden of the stylish AKA Wall Street in downtown Manhattan. Larry talks about the evolution of AKA over four generations; how the brand is standing out in a crowded market; the importance to AKA and its guests of experiential lifestyle elements; and the changing needs of today's traveler.

At nearly every event they attend BridgeStreet.com gives away a bike – that has a strong connection with the host city. For SAS Americas we teamed up with Priority Bicycles in New York to give away one of their NYC-inspired Classic Plus – Gotham Edition bikes. When we went to collect it we caught up with Priority Bicycles Co-Founder Connor Swegle to talk about their light weight and easy maintain bikes, cycling in the city and how a bicycle program can really enhance the serviced apartment and hotel experience. For more information visit: www.prioritybicycles.com and @RidePriority.

From Amsterdam, Glenn Haussman reports on the Serviced Apartment Summit Recharge 2018. In conversation with Piers Brown, CEO of International Hospitality Media, we here about the motivation behind the event and the goal to make this something much more than a traditional conference. With property tours, open workshops, debates and networking, Recharge has had a fantastic response from all participants. Where will Recharge be next year? Subscribe to find out: http://www.servicedapartmentnews.com

Glenn visits aparthotel YAYS Zoutkeetsgracht, a converted 18th century salt warehouse located on one of Amsterdam's many canals. Glenn hears from Peter Heule, CEO of Short Stay Group and YAYS, about this unique property and the YAYS philosophy of building strong links with the surrounding community and businesses – enabling guests to really live like a local.

Go Native Director of Sales & Distribution discusses why it's an exciting time to be in the industry. You truly can live like a local. Nowadays it's traveler's choice. One can choose be truly be a part of a neighborhood. Learn how Suppliers like GoNative are trusting BridgeStreet to fill their vacancy across the globe.

Watch as Paul Rands of BridgeStreet describes what an Aparthotel is. If you've ever wondered what an apart hotel is, watch this video to find out. Paul also describes the BridgeStreet brand Mode and how it differs from other serviced apartment or traditional hotel experiences.

Piers Brown, CEO of Serviced Apartment News discusses the transparent offer BridgeStreet now affords the guest. He also talks about the hotel sector and how they are now investing in Serviced Apartments for extended stay business.